Earl Austin’s favorite Olympic moments
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St. Louis American See page B3
The
CAC Audited AUGUST 15 – 21, 2024
Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928
Vol. 96 No. 19 COMPLIMENTARY
stlamerican.com
Homer G. Phillips nurses make case in court
SLPS prepares for first day after tumultuous month By Lacretia Wimbley St. Louis Public Radio Transportation officials and leaders of St. Louis Public Schools shared plans Tuesday evening to begin the 2024-25 school year on a positive note. The district has been under fire in recent months over student transportation, hiring and financial questions. Board of Education President Antionette Cousins said at a Board of Education meeting Tuesday it is “working tirelessly, tirelessly to change. And we can’t do this alone. It takes a city to change the game.” While there have been calls for her and another board members’ resignations, she stated, “To be clear, I will not step down from this position.” Board member Emily Hubbard has called for Cousins and board Vice President Matt Davis to vacate their positions, citing a lack of transparency from leadership. Hubbard said her concerns about now-suspended Superintendent Keisha Scarlett’s hiring practices went unheard.
See SLPS, A6
‘They know their heritage’ By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American A hearing to determine whether the Homer G. Phillips Nursing Association trademark infringement lawsuit against developer Paul McKee and other defendants will move forward was held before St. Louis County Judge Heather R. Cunningham on Thursday morning. History, heritage and technical legalities were intertwined as attorney Rick Voytas presented arguments for the Nursing Association plaintiffs. “We feel our strong position will bear fruit at this hearing,” Voytas said following the hearing, which was held in a packed courtroom with Nurses Association members and supporters including Dr. Will Ross, Washington
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
The SLPS Chief Financial Officer Angie Banks clarified budget numbers Aug. 13. She said going from a $17 million surplus to a $35 million deficit are projections and proposals and they are not yet solidified. Banks said because of the state of the rainy day fund, they are not concerned about those numbers.
1st District Cong. Cori Bush gives Mike Brown Sr. a hug during the 10th anniversary of the shooting death of his son Michael Brown Jr. by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson held Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in the Canfield Apartments.
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Ferguson police officer fighting for his life Injured on August 9 By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
memorial was created to honor his memory and the subsequent fight for justice. “The royal blue is Mike Brown Jr.’s favorite color,” said his stepmother, Cal Brown. She said three weeks before his death they went to Home Depot and bought royal blue paint to paint his bedroom. “I try to do things that represent him so people can remember who he was.” She believes it’s going to take unity for St. Louis to move forward. “Unity is the most important thing, especially here in St. Louis, there is so much work to be done and if we
The Ferguson Police Department of today is far different than that city’s force in 2014. In 2014, just three of over 50 police officers were Black, and there had never been an African American police chief. In its 120-year history before that year, the highest rank a Black officer held was sergeant. Now, the force is led by a Black chief, Troy Doyle, and his department includes Travis Brown captains, sergeants and other leaders. More than half of the department’s staff is comprised of African Americans. These facts were shared by Michael P. McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis president and CEO, at 1:30 p.m. Friday August 9, 2024, during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Urban League
See BROWN, A6
See OFFICER, A6
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
All roads lead to Ferguson Brown remembered on 10th anniversary of his death By Ashley Winters The St. Louis American The All Roads Lead to Ferguson Unity Walk took place in honor of Michael Brown Jr., on Aug. 9, the 10th anniversary of the killing of the young Ferguson teen by former Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. The march began at Normandy High School, where Brown graduated in 2014, and ended at the Canfield Apartments where he was shot and killed. Blue roses and teddy bears lined the street leading to the spot where his body lay in the August heat for four hours. The makeshift
HEALTH
BUSINESS
Young artist’s work will grace Affinia walls
Black-owned firms part of first Schnucks Springboard class
Affinia Healthcare is partnering with youth artist Symone Chatman to display her artistic talent at the health center’s Biddle, Lemp and new Ferguson locations.
Phathead, which calls Bethalto, Illinois home, could soon possibly be on the shelves of Schnucks Markets throughout the region because it is a member of the inaugural group.
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